SOFT & TASTY Paratha Roti (Buss up Shut Roti) - DETAILED step by step instructions

SOFT & TASTY Paratha Roti (Buss up Shut Roti) - DETAILED step by step instructions is a medium Trinidadian recipe that serves 3. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by CookingWithRia on YouTube.

Prep: 42 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $1.48 total, $0.49 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (adds slight sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 3/4 cup Lukewarm Water (adjust as needed for shaggy dough)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for rubbing dough before resting)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (for brushing; can be omitted for vegan version)
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee (optional, for brushing)
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (vegan-friendly brushing oil)
  • 2 tablespoons Additional Vegetable Oil (for cooking on the tawa)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, add the all‑purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Form the Dough

    Gradually pour the lukewarm water into the dry mixture while stirring with your hand or a spoon. When the mixture comes together, knead gently for about 2 minutes until a soft, shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Oil Rub & First Rest

    Rub about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over the entire dough surface, cover the bowl with a clean cloth, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Divide and Shape Loyahs

    Divide the rested dough into three equal portions (called “loyahs”). Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then flatten slightly with your fingers.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Second Rest

    Cover the shaped loyahs with a cloth and let them rest for another 15 minutes. The dough is ready when a gentle press leaves an indent that does not bounce back.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Heat the Tawa

    Place the tawa over medium heat. Allow it to become hot (you’ll see a slight shimmer) – about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Roll Out the Roti

    Using a rolling pin, flatten one dough ball into a small 4‑inch circle, then repeatedly roll, flip, and roll again until you achieve a thin, even 10‑inch round. The edges should be as thin as the centre.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Cook & Oil the Roti

    Place the rolled dough onto the hot tawa. Cook for ~30 seconds, then drizzle or brush a thin layer of oil (butter, ghee, coconut oil, or a butter‑oil mix) on the top surface. Flip, brush the other side, flip again, and cook another 30 seconds. Continue to flip and brush for a total of about 1½ minutes, allowing the oil to spread and the roti to develop golden spots.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  9. Beat the Roti

    Using the wooden spatula (dabla), gently beat the cooked roti, gathering the edges toward the centre. Start at the top and work downwards until the layers separate and the roti looks puffed.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Wrap and Rest

    Immediately wrap the beaten roti in a clean kitchen towel. Stack the wrapped roti with the others and let them rest for 10‑15 minutes; they will steam themselves and become extra soft.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
400
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using only coconut oil

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy (if butter or ghee used)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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SOFT & TASTY Paratha Roti (Buss up Shut Roti) - DETAILED step by step instructions

Recipe by CookingWithRia

Traditional Trinidadian "Buss Up Shot" paratha – a soft, flaky, torn‑t‑shirt style roti that’s perfect for curries, stews, or as a snack. This recipe walks you through the dough, shaping, cooking on a tawa, and the signature beating technique that gives the roti its airy texture.

MediumTrinidadianServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
53m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.48
Total cost
$0.49
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Properly resting the dough after the first knead (15‑30 min).
  • Shaping the dough into a cone (loyah) and tucking the tip securely.
  • Cooking on a hot tawa and brushing oil at each flip.
  • Beating the roti with a wooden spatula to create the flaky texture.

Safety Warnings

  • The tawa becomes extremely hot; use oven mitts when handling.
  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a safe distance and never leave unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Buss Up Shot Paratha in Trinidadian cuisine?

A

Buss Up Shot, meaning “torn‑up shirt,” is a beloved Trinidadian roti that originated from Indian immigrants. It is traditionally served at weddings, religious gatherings, and festive celebrations, symbolizing communal sharing and the blend of Indian and Caribbean cultures.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Buss Up Shot Paratha within Trinidad and Tobago?

A

In the north, cooks often use a higher butter‑to‑oil ratio for richer flavor, while in the south coconut oil is favored for a vegan‑friendly version. Some families add a pinch of turmeric for color, but the core technique of folding and beating remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is Buss Up Shot Paratha authentically served in Trinidadian households?

A

It is typically wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and soft, then served alongside curried chicken, channa (chickpea) curry, or stewed vegetables. The roti is torn by hand, giving it its signature “torn‑shirt” appearance.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Buss Up Shot Paratha traditionally prepared in Trinidadian culture?

A

Buss Up Shot is a staple at weddings, Hindu poojas, Christian church gatherings, and major holidays like Divali and Christmas, where large batches are made to feed extended families and friends.

cultural
Q

What makes Buss Up Shot Paratha special compared to other Indian roti varieties in Caribbean cuisine?

A

Its flaky, layered texture achieved by the cone‑folding technique and the final beating with a wooden spatula sets it apart. The generous use of butter or coconut oil creates a soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth bite that other roti styles rarely achieve.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Buss Up Shot Paratha at home?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, insufficient resting time, using a cold tawa, and applying too much oil during cooking. Each of these can result in a dense, non‑flaky roti.

technical
Q

Why does this Buss Up Shot Paratha recipe use a combination of butter and oil instead of just one fat?

A

Butter adds rich flavor while oil raises the smoke point, preventing the roti from burning during the high‑heat tawa cooking. The blend gives the perfect balance of taste and texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Buss Up Shot Paratha ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After cooking, wrap each roti in a clean towel and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for a month. Reheat on a hot skillet for a few seconds to restore softness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for to know my Buss Up Shot Paratha is done?

A

The roti should have golden brown specks on both sides, be slightly puffed, and feel soft yet slightly crisp when tapped. After beating, the layers should separate easily, giving a torn‑shirt look.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel CookingWithRia specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel CookingWithRia focuses on Caribbean‑Indian home cooking, sharing traditional family recipes, technique tutorials, and cultural food stories from Trinidad and Tobago.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel CookingWithRia's approach to Trinidadian cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?

A

CookingWithRia emphasizes authentic family‑passed techniques, such as the cone‑folding and beating method for Buss Up Shot, and provides detailed cultural context, whereas many other channels focus on simplified or fusion versions.

channel

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